Ticks flourish in warmer, sunny weather and can trigger a range of diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. Tick-borne diseases are caused by parasites, viruses or bacteria transmitted through the bites of certain ticks. Many tick-borne diseases have become more prevalent since it is no longer compulsory to treat dogs coming into the UK for ticks.
The tiny, but insidious, babesiosis parasite breaks down blood cells, causing anaemia and jaundice. As a result, infected dogs will lose appetite and weight, become lethargic and feverish, and develop pale gums, enlarged abdomens and red-brown urine. The Lyme disease bacterium can attack different parts of the body, resulting in different symptoms, but may cause limping, stiffness, swollen joints or lymph nodes, fever, vomiting or diarrhoea.
What to do: Many flea treatments and collars will repel ticks, too, so do read the label, and speak to your vet about finding the right treatment. Check your dog regularly for ticks, and give them a thorough inspection after walks in dense woodland, moorland or long grass. Use a tick remover to twist off any attached parasites. Don’t just pull them off, since this will leave the mouthparts within your dog’s skin. If you know ticks are a problem in a particular locality, it may be best to stick to walks on the path. Be especially vigilant if you’re travelling somewhere unfamiliar with your pet.